How I Learned to Create Beautiful Cells in Fluid Art (And Why the Right Supplies Matter)

One of the things I love most about being an artist is that it’s an exploration. I never want to feel stuck, or like I need the “perfect” setup to start creating.

When I first started experimenting with fluid art, I was fascinated by those gorgeous, organic cells that form in acrylic pours. I read tutorials, watched videos, and saw everyone recommending silicone oil. At the time, I didn’t have any, so I tried using what I had on hand, simple hair serum.

Guess what? It worked, sort of I was able to create cells, but I noticed that I had to use a large amount of serum to get the effect I wanted. The results were decent, but inconsistent, and sometimes the finish wasn’t as clean or professional as I had hoped.

Eventually, I invested in silicone oil made specifically for fluid art, and wow, what a difference. I only needed a few drops to create vibrant, crisp cells with beautiful definition. The paint flowed better, the finish looked more professional, and I wasted far less product.

Use what you have. Experiment. Never let lack of supplies stop you from painting. I’m living proof that creativity doesn’t wait for a perfect studio or endless materials. But when you can, investing in the right tools will elevate your work in ways you can’t imagine.

So whether you’re painting with hair serum, silicone oil, or pure magic. The most important thing is to keep painting.